The Bible

The past thirty days, I, along with a few other people, read the entire Bible. Now when I began this challenge I had no idea what it would look like or how difficult that would be. It ended up being about six hours of reading every day!  I don't mean this in a boastful way, I just mean to express the dedication it took and the Grace from the Father that was necessary for this to happen.
A few thoughts:
I don't know that the Bible is meant to be read in thirty days like this. Yes, this challenge was from the Lord and I am glad I did it.
But what I do know is that the Bible is meant to be read with intentionality and intensity. It is to be studied and meditated on.  It is the Bread of Life! I don't know about you, but I eat at least three meals a day just to have 24 hours of mortal life. How much more then do we need for spiritual sustenance?

Honestly until now, I would read a chapter here and there as I would hang out with the Lord but I thought that reading the Bible too much was a religious thing. But I have to say that there is NOTHING "religious" about seeking the Lord in the scriptures.

"From the moment a soul has the grace to know God, she must seek." -Mother Teresa
Through reading His word all the way through I have encountered a new side of the Lord. He has expanded my vision and my view of Him. 
Here's the deal:
            The Lord is Good!
            He has a plan.
            The Lord LOVES His people,
            and what He asks of us is to love Him back with all that we have.
    
This is seen throughout the entire Bible! (even in Leviticus)
Another thing,
The words that Jesus speaks in the gospels apply to every day of your life.
I had no idea how much Jesus really encompasses everything that we are to encounter.
By saying all of this about the Bible, I am not discrediting listening to the voice of God today. That is just as/more important. Studying scripture without listening to the Spirit who wrote the Word is frustrating and seemingly pointless. Revelations come from Him!
He is speaking today. AND He is speaking with scripture.
It is NOT either or, it is both and MORE!!!!

Pursuit

Do you ever have those weeks that feel like a grind and all you want to do is encounter God? Where you have been thinking about Him a lot, but don't have the time to be on your face in His presence?

Well that's how this week has been for me. Last week felt like a vacation with Jesus and this week felt like the desert.

The key is to not give up when these times come to you.

Since I have noticed this week was rough, I have really been speaking truth over myself and speaking outloud His heart for me. I know that He wants us to PRESS IN for His presence. It is normal for there to be resistance when seeking for something so great! It makes it that much sweeter when you encounter Him.

Well today I just sat down at the computer and turned on a song that my awesome friend sent me on facebook-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f3VH_bS42o&NR=1
I have listened to this before and it wasn't really my favorite but within 10 seconds of the song playing, I felt the Holy Spirit come so strongly into my kitchen and it was so easy for my spirit, soul, and body to be in alignment with the worship playing.

He is good!

"A five-second hug from the Holy Spirit can do more for you than a year of discipleship training"
~ Papa Rolland Baker